Ferns as house plants.

Many fern varieties are relatively easy to grow as houseplants, these elegant, graceful plants are true aristocrats of the plant kingdom. Their beauty relies only on color and shape.

Those that are the easiest for the home gardener include the Birdsnest Fern, Boston Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Break Fern, Holly Fern, Rabbit Foot, Staghorn, and Asparagus Fern.

Some of types are very airy and delicate looking.  Asparagus, Maidenhair and Boston Ferns are good examples of those that have thin delicate looking leaves. Ferns such as the Birdsnest and Staghorn have thicker and somewhat leathery leaves they have a sturdy look about them. Those with thicker leaves can be a bit more tolerant of dryer conditions in both soil and air.

















Most homes humidity levels are simply not high enough for ferns to look their best. Due to this fact plants do much better when they are placed in a low-sided bowl with pebbles or coarse gravel in the bottom. Water is placed in the bowl and the ferns are placed on top of the gravel. Care must be taken to keep the water level below the bottom of the fern’s pot. This provides enough humidity to prevent leaf drying or damage.

With my own ferns I have another approach to the dry air and that is an aquarium. I constructed a partial top for my tank that holds one or two plants. These do beautifully sitting over the tank that is also the home to several goldfish. If you don’t want the fish then you might consider just having an aquarium without fish as your special plant stand. Above the plants I have a hanging lamp with a 60-watt fluorescent light. The fish and ferns do very well in this setting.

Ferns as a group also require moist soil to do well. There is some variation between each ferns optimum water needs but plant health depends on consistency in having their needs met. None however, tolerate having soggy wet roots. This condition quickly results in root rot or fungal diseases.

Light requirements of ferns is easy, moderate diffused light and no harsh direct sun. They prefer a north window or positioned 3 – 5 feet from window light on a west or southern exposure. Artificial light can be used very successfully in growing ferns.

These house plants will also benefit by being repotted every 2 – 4 years. Use a mix specifically for ferns or use ½ regular potting soil and ½ peat.
They should be fertilized routinely during their active growing period. Use a mild liquid fertilizer at ½ strength about once a month.

Temperature ranges for best growth and health is fairly warm with daytime highs in the low 70s and nighttime temps 65 –70 degrees.

Infestation of insects can be a problem and if you need to use any insecticide read the label very closely and use only the least toxic, as many chemicals will damage the fern itself. Never put a newly purchased plant with others until you are sure it doesn’t harbor any problem pests. I always quarantine any new plant entering the home. Better to treat only one plant.
Ferns may be easy to grow but keeping them really beautiful can sometimes be a lot of work and requires a fair amount of fussing. This is especially true in arid climates. Neglect them or be inconsistent in their watering and their leaves can dry, shrivel and drop off.

Quite frankly, I feel they are worth the work. Those graceful feathery leaves with the new fronds unrolling in the center of the plant can provide a striking point of interest in any room.

I love growing things and those that are very delicate and fragile are tempting but I also know myself. If something takes an inordinate amount of fussing I end up either killing it or giving it away. With this in mind I stay with those plants that are the most hardy.

Thick leathery leaves of the Birdsnest are  less prone for drying and damage, their water needs and sensitivity to being slightly over dry is less than most of the other varieties.

These plants can be very spectacular when they are well taken care of.

My other preference is the Rabbit Foot Fern. It is a fairly tolerant plant and I love those furry rhizomes crawling over the side of a pot. There is a certain amount of whimsy about a plant with furry feet.




Ferns -  Tips on growing and enjoying your houseplant Ferns